Snails, yes I'm talkin about
those slimey things with those shells on their backs and long
antennae. Some people consider them ugly and down right
disgusting. But, I love my snails. They are so cute and comical
to watch as they glide around so quietly and fluently throughout
the aquarium. Climbing up plants and over rocks, stumbling upon
new adventures. Some people say to avoid snails wherever
possible, they will take over your aquarium with outbursts of
snaily populations. But, this isn't totally true. There are
snails that you definitely should avoid, but there are also
snails that are not all as horrible as you have heard.

Snails
are an interesting part of the aquarium trade. They are
workhorses that clean plant matter, like algae, as they travel
smoothly along their way. They are unique and fun to observe.
They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wonderful colors.

Many
people have often inquired about getting a snail to help control
the algae in their aquarium, but they have certain doubts because
they've heard that snails multiply too rapidly, resulting in
infestation instead of actually helping out with the algae
problems.

Well,
this is true in most cases, but it depends on the type of snail
you buy. Most species of snail are of both sexes or
"hermaphrodites". You could have one single snail one
moment, and then 20-30 little snails the next. But, it doesn't
have to be this way at all, there are species of snails out there
that aren't hermaphrodites and you can be ensured that you won't
be overrun by snails. A few examples of non-hermaphroditic snails
are:

BLACK MYSTERY SNAIL

GOLDEN SNAIL

APPLE SNAIL

ALBINO MYSTERY SNAIL

RED RAMSHORN'S SNAIL

albino mystery snail

black mystery snail

mystery snail

golden snail

Some
snails are livebearing and others lay their eggs in a jelly like
sac attached to anything permanent.

PROS TO NON-HERMAPHRODITE SNAILS: These snails are indeed an
interesting addition to any home aquarium. They are interesting
to watch and prove helpful when algae problems arise. They are
also helpful aids when water conditions are not right. When the
water is poisoned, or PH levels are too high, or other problems
you can't see are within the water, snails will let you know.
They are sensitive to toxins and other bad stuff that can
contaminate your water. They will pull themselves inside their
shells and remain there for days, or until the water conditions
are corrected. But, snails will sometimes pull themselves inside
their shells when they are startled or scared, so don't be too
quick to judge a problem in your aquarium. If there is nothing
wrong with the water, and the snail has pulled himself into his
shell, he will crawl back out and continue on his way in a couple
of minutes.

SO YOU HAVE SNAIL PROBLEMS?: Well, you went out and
bought a snail not asking the proper questions about it and now
you've found yourself in quite a dilemma. Your cute little single
snail has now turned into hundreds of little sliding crawlies!
Aaaahhh! What in the world do you do to get rid of all those
snails? Well, snail control can be purchased at your local pet
store in the form of chemical deterrents. Or, you can purchase
snail eating fish, such as the larger gouramis, or angel fishes.
Snails can be crushed and fed to many fish, particularily
cichlids. Personally I would recommend the snail eating fish.
Chemical deterrents may have unwanted affects on your fish.

SNAIL
REPRODUCTION: Referring
to the snails that are not hermaphrodites. They mystery snails
and other snails that require both sexes to produce offspring do
so in quite an unusual way. The male will crawl up onto the
females back and forward towards the front of the opening of her
shell and remain there for hours. Some people have also said that
they will float around together for days. My female albino
mystery snail will walk around carrying the male "piggie
back" until he decides he's had enough and goes on his way.
I don't know this for sure, but I was told that female snails
that have mated will lay eggs the very next day and the eggs will
hatch a week later. But my snail has mated many times and no
eggs, so I don't know what to think. I have also heard that the
females will store the sperm, so maybe that is it? I heard that
to tell the different sexes, males are more round and females
more oblong.

When she is ready,
the female will crawl out of the water and lay her eggs on
whatever is permanent and not too far from the water. The eggs
must remain dry but slightly damp. She will lay a fairly large
clutch, ranging from 100-200 eggs or more. They will be an
orangish color when they are laid and as they begin to become
ready to hatch, they will turn a greyish dull color. When the
baby snails do hatch, they will immediatly turn to the water and
start looking for food. If you want your snail babies to survive,
I would recommend removing the eggs before they hatch to a safe
environment away from snail eating fishies. Some people scrape
the eggs carefully from their original positioning and place them
on some floating styrofoam.

That's all I can
think of to put for now, I will try to have some more info up
soon, or if you have a snaily question please email me. If you
have any further info I could use on snails, please also feel
free to email me.